Tragedy in Jigawa: 4 teenage girls drown while swimming

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Jigawa Police Command has confirmed the drowning of four teenage girls in a pond in Malkaderi village, Gagarawa Local Government Area of the State.

According to the police, the victims, identified as Saina’u Musa, 12; Fiddausi Ado, 11; Habiba Musa, 12; and Bahijja Musa, 13 drowned while swimming in the pond.

However, one of the girls identified as Sahura Audu, was rescued by local divers, Jigawa State Police spokesman, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, said in a statement on Sunday.

“Our team received a distress call, and we immediately coordinated a rescue operation. Unfortunately, by the time the victims were pulled from the pond, four had already passed away.”

“The victims were taken to Gagarawa Primary Health Care Centre, where they were pronounced dead by medical personnel,” DSP Adam said.

He added that the Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State, CP AT Abdullahi extended his condolences to the parent of the girls.

“This is a deeply saddening event. Our hearts go out to the families affected by this devastating tragedy,” Abdullahi said. He further warned the public about the dangers of swimming in ponds and streams during the rainy season due to the elevated water levels.

“We strongly advise families to keep a close watch on their children, especially near water bodies, as the rains have significantly increased water volumes across the state.”